Austrian prosecutor files new charges against investor René Benko in Signa insolvency case

Austrian investor René Benko is confronting a fresh accusation of serious fraud and damaging creditor interests, according to the Austrian Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA). The charge, which is not yet final, alleges Benko harmed a private foundation by 5 million euros through a guarantee agreement. Additionally, prosecutors claim the 49-year-old, who has been in pre-trial detention for 18 months, concealed ownership of a hunting rifle valued at 80,000 euros during his insolvency as an individual entrepreneur. This act, they contend, prejudiced the interests of his creditors.

Benko has consistently denied all allegations in his previous legal proceedings. The former billionaire has already received convictions in two similar cases, though these judgments are not yet legally binding. The Laura Privatstiftung, a foundation prosecutors link to Benko, though he disputes this, filed for insolvency on March 11, 2026. This foundation holds assets including a villa in Innsbruck, rental properties, and a luxury chalet in Lech am Arlberg.

The foundation's insolvency stems from its inability to meet payment obligations from two arbitration awards. These awards were secured by state funds from the Middle East before a Swiss arbitration court, after their loans disappeared following Signa's collapse. The total amount involved is approximately 1 billion euros, with an estimated 300 to 400 million euros remaining in the Laura Stiftung.